Global Outlook 2026: Tech Talk

Project professionals pinpoint the biggest opportunities for innovation and digital transformation in 2026 and beyond, and the barriers that still limit wider digital adoption in the breakbulk and project sector.

From Issue 6, 2025 of Breakbulk Magazine.

(3-minute read)

Dharmendra Gangrade, thought leader on global shipping and logistics and Breakbulk Advisory Board member

The biggest opportunities for innovation or digital transformation in 2026 and beyond lie in the realm of Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS) for global shipping, which is fundamental to nearly 90% of global trade.

The post-COVID digitalization journey has equipped stakeholders with robust systems capable of application programming interfaces (API) integration, paving the way for the development of industry-wide digital platforms. These platforms can be customized for specific needs and integrate seamlessly with ERPs or other systems via a robust middleware. This creates a connected ecosystem, surpassing blockchain capabilities by facilitating not only the exchange of commercial documents but also the real-time transmission of events, enhancing visibility and control over shipping transactions.

Furthermore, the application of AI in supply chain and logistics has evolved from being a buzzword to a reality, transitioning from basic automation and demand forecasting to autonomous decision-making. Currently, AI is utilized for predictions and route optimization based on historical data. However, in the near future, AI-driven systems are expected to independently orchestrate logistics, making real-time decisions on freight and schedule optimization to meet demand.

Despite these opportunities, barriers to wider digital adoption persist in the breakbulk and project sector. These include resistance to change and concerns about integration failures and data security. Large organizations often hesitate to invest in new technologies due to internal constraints and trust issues with LaaS providers. Addressing concerns about data security, confidentiality and the financial stability of LaaS players is crucial for this transformation.

By 2026 and beyond, businesses that embrace API-driven, AI-enabled LaaS platforms are likely to achieve greater cost-efficiency, enhanced service levels and scalability in their operations, which are exposed to continuous disruptions due to global geopolitical events leading to uncertainty and volatility.

Kevin Kwateng, founder and CEO, Project Logistics

Digital transformation means swapping paper and guesswork for smart tech. With real-time tracking and automation, teams can see exactly where shipments are, catch mistakes and plan better routes. New digital tools speed up jobs, reduce risks and help everyone work faster and smarter, even for those who aren’t tech experts. The payoff is fewer errors, better coordination, safer operations and more career opportunities across the industry.

Our team is made up of heavy-lift and transport engineers, so we design solutions grounded in daily industry needs. Take our route and cargo planning tools: Transport teams can simulate heavy moves, check for clearance, calculate axle loads and confirm secure lashing, all before hitting the road. These tools help get fast approvals, prevent overload fines and avoid accidents caused by shifting cargo. The result is less risk, more accuracy and quicker, safer jobs.

Adoption across the industry faces hurdles: old tech is hard to replace, many still use paper forms and some hesitate to change. But for those who do, jobs get easier, compliance is smoother and teams can handle more with less stress.

Marco Poisler, chief operating officer, global energy and capital projects, UTC Overseas

The next wave of digital transformation will be defined by interoperability and resilience. As crane systems, vessels and terminals become increasingly digital, the challenge is not more data but smarter integration, linking predictive insights directly to operational execution while maintaining human oversight.

AI will enable continuous situational awareness across the logistics chain, supporting faster, more coordinated decision-making. The opportunity lies in turning digital intelligence into operational reliability. From a practical point of view, this means every connected system contributes to safer lifts, reduced vessel idling and measurable emissions gains, without losing the adaptability that experienced professionals bring to complex cargo moves.

At UTC Overseas, we are advancing proprietary AI tools that apply retrieval-augmented reasoning to reduce labor-intensive documentation and compliance tasks across the project cargo lifecycle. These systems automate data validation, regulatory cross-checking, and knowledge retrieval from thousands of shipment records, freeing teams to focus on operational judgment and client service. The result is faster response time to customs and port authorities, fewer clerical errors, and a more consistent compliance process across regions.

AI is not replacing logistics professionals but rather enabling them to operate with greater precision and efficiency in an environment defined by complexity and constant change.

Read more in our Global Outlook 2026 series:

Powering Into the New Year

Navigating Uncertainty

Shifting Opportunities

Cargo With a Conscience

Why Your Region Rocks!

Top photo: Project Logistics transports heavy units at night. Credit: Project Logistics, Inc.